($687+) Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Mobile, AL, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $667 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,070 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 978 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,135, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,070 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,160 - $4,224, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $667 - $1,922.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Mobile, AL, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,830 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Mobile to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,830 - $6,486 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 978 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 978-mile route from Mobile to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,135 - $5,376, container $1,160 - $2,266, rental truck $667 - $1,303, freight trailer $1,098 - $1,960.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,830 - $6,486, container $1,524 - $2,965, rental truck $772 - $1,534, freight trailer $1,293 - $2,347.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,435 - $9,070, container $2,179 - $4,224, rental truck $968 - $1,922, freight trailer $1,710 - $3,118.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 978-mile move from Mobile, Alabama, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $2,135 - $9,070. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $256 - $1,704 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Mobile and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Mobile movers tend to run around $367 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Mobile to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,135 - $5,376
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,830 - $6,486
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,435 - $9,070
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Mobile to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of Mobile movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $426 - $4,260 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $170 - $1,022/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $256 - $2,045 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs30% of local movers | $852 - $2,556 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,130 - $8,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $638 - $1,212 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. | $852 - $2,130 |
| Piano | Any piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $682 - $2,982 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $256 - $1,278 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. | $554 - $1,704 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $256 - $12,780+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $256 - $2,982+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Mobile to Des Moines?
Iowa Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Iowa, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Mobile, AL. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Mobile, Alabama, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,160 and $4,224. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Des Moines. If you go over that window, storage in Mobile adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Mobile to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,160 - $2,266
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,524 - $2,965
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,179 - $4,224
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Mobile, AL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $596, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $64 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $128 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Mobile, AL, and Des Moines, IA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Iowa move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,160. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,524 - $2,965, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Mobile to Des Moines?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Mobile to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Mobile:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.3/5), 41 years in business
- Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 2 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 978-mile move from Mobile, Alabama, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $667 and $1,922, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $265 - $303
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Mobile daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Mobile to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $667 - $1,303
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $772 - $1,534
- 4+ bedrooms: $968 - $1,922
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $667 - $1,922 does not include fuel ($265 - $303) , lodging ($128/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Mobile to Des Moines typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $265 - $303 for the 978-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Mobile, Alabama, for about 5 hours typically costs around $596.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 978-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $128 per night, adding $256 - $383 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $43 and $256.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Mobile to Des Moines?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Mobile, Alabama, to Des Moines, Iowa. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,293 and $2,347.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Mobile to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,098 - $1,960
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,293 - $2,347
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,710 - $3,118
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Mobile, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $596.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $64 and $128 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Mobile to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Quick Delivery Service (4.46/5 stars): Quick Delivery Service is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Des Moines quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Mobile, AL vs Des Moines, IA
Good news for your budget: Des Moines isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Mobile. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 84 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 32/100 and 35.05/100 here versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Mobile, AL guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Iowa in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 46 movers based in Alabama, handy for sizing up options on this 978-mile route.
Our take
The 978-mile move from Mobile, AL, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $2,135 and $9,070 with full-service movers, $1,160 - $4,224 with a moving container, and $667 - $1,922 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,830 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Mobile, AL, to Des Moines, IA
What is the cheapest way to move from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $772 - $1,534. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?
For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Mobile?
Local movers based in Mobile typically start around $367 as a base rate, plus $150/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Mobile movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 60% of movers in Mobile handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
